Film handling and apparatus therefor



Jan. 16, 1934. B. A. PRocToR 1944,037

FILM HANDLING AND APPARATUS THEREFOR Filed March 20. 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I i, I I I I I I I I I I I I "A TToRNEYs.

Jan; 16, 1934.

FILM

B. A. PROCTOR HANDLING AND APPARATUS THBREFOR Filed March 20. 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Bm/vam A TTORNEYS.

Jan. '16, 1934. B A PROCTOR 1,944,037

FILM HANDLING AND APPRATUS THEREFOR Filed March 20, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 A ToRNEYs.

Jah. 16, 1934. B A, PROCTQR 1,944l037 FILM HANDLING AN) APPARATUS THEREFOR Filed March 20, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 BY MAJ A TTbRNEYs.

Jan. 16, 1934.- B. A. PRocToR 1944037 FILM HANDLING D PPRATUS THERFOR AFiled March 20, 1929 '7 sheets-sheet s AroRNEYs.

Jan. 16, 1934. a. A. PRoc'roR 1944037 FILM HANDLING AND APPRATUS THEREFOR Filed March 20, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 BY w Ma/gw ATT RNEYS.

Patentecl HJan. 16, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FmM HANDLING AND ArPAaA'rUs THEREFOR poration of New York Application March 20, 1929. Serial No. 348,033

69 Claims.

The present invention relates broadly to an apparatus for the handling and feeding of material, and more particularly to an apparatus adapted for the positioning, handling and feeding of film whereby the film is automatically placed in complete operative relation with the mechanism and different characteristic feeding movements thereof in either the same or different directions obtained at will.

The present application is a continuation in part of my co-pending application, Serial Number 54,910, filed September 8, 1925,- which upon January 24, 1933, matured as Patent Number 1,894,963, and a continuation in part of my co-pending application, Serial Number 187,980, filed April 30, 1927.

Apparatus as heretofore provided has required the accurate manual positioning of the film with referencepto the feeding mechanism as a prerequisite to the operation of such mechanism. It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide a fllm handling and feeding mechanism of such nature as automatically to effect proper positioning of the fllm upon such a bodily movement thereof as is required properly to place the same in the apparatus. Thus any manual positioning of the film apart from the preliminary bodily movement thereof is rendered unnecessary, thereby insuring uniformity. safety 'and ease of operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fllm handling and feeding mechanism effective for producing in precletermined sequence certain Operations previous and subsequent to the operation of the normal feeding mechanism. Such previous Operations may comprise the complete initial positioning of the film with respect to the fllm feeding mechanism and to the open-i ings wherein it is to travel, and the commencement of a characteristic feeding movement of the film in advance of the normal feeding movement thereof. Such subsequent Operations may include the complete removal of the film from the normal feeding mechanism and its protection therefrom and its rewinding by. feeding mechanism of different characteristics.

The invention further has for one of its objects, provision of improved means effective in timed relation to certain of the cycles of operation for eifecting the preliminary positioning of the fllm regardless of succeeding Operations to be performed thereon.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of mechanism automatically effective for producing the various lcharacteristlc movements of the film as desired, whether in one direction or the other of such construction that at all times the tension to which'the film is then subjected shall constitute a condition precedent or'incident to the proper operation of such mechanism.

A further object is the provision of mechanism capable of performing automatically the various film handling Operations in the sequence -whlch is desired or necessary for the particular purpose in mind. further object is .the provision of unitary control means for a film handling apparatus. A further object is the provision of mechanism adapted to safeguard the film.

Other advantages and characteristics are made a apparent in the following description. the attached drawings and the subjoined claims. Although I am showing one preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be readily understood that I am not limited to this particular construction as changes may' readily be made without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of my broader claims.

Although I am showing my invention as applied to motion picture projecting apparatus, it will be understood that it can be applied broadly to any art in which material is fed, and that lt s is particularly useful in connection with the handling o f films, whether light sensitive, for use with a camera or sound recording apparatus, or image bearing, for use in a motionpicture or other projector, or with a sound repfpducing instrument, or with an apparatus adapted for the simultaneous reproduction of -visual images of things and sound.

In the drawings:

Figure i is a right side elevation of the machine. certain parts of the lamp housing being broken away;

Figure 2 is a left side elevation of the machine;

Figure 3 is a right partial side elevation broken away to show actuating parts in film threading position, and illustrating the shutter or main feeding clutch;

Figure 4 is a partial left side elevation broken away to show actuati-n! Parts in film threading position;

Figure 5 is a cross section on a line V-V of- Figure 2 lookingin the direction of the arrows;

Figure 6 is a partial view taken on the line VI- VI of *Figure l showing the right side only to Illustrate the gate; 4

Figure 6A is a detali view of 'the gate rod crank level' and associated parts;

ll'igure 7 is a partial bottom plan view showing actuating levers in "normal intermittent projection" position;

Figure 8 is a partial bottom plan view showing actuating levers in still projection" position;

Figure 9 is a partial bottom plan view showing actuating levers in film threading or changing" position; i

Figure 10 is a partial bottom plan view showing actuating levers in "rewind position;

Figure 11 (Sheet 4) is a detailed view showing segment and pinion for actuating fllm-stripping shield;

Figure 12 (Sheet 4) is a front view of same, showing a sprocket adapted for use with a fllm having side perforations.

Figure 13 (Sheet 5) is'a wiring diagram of the apparatus.

Figure 14 (Sheet 3) is an enlarged-detail view showing the positioning element in the locked position;

Figure 15 (Sheet 3) is a partial enlarged detail view showing the positioning element in inoperative or open position;

Figure 16 (Sheet 3) corresponds to Figure 15 except that a Variation of the invention is shown in which the positioning element is provided with 'lost motion so that it becomes completely operative before the gate is completely closed;

Figure 1'1 (Sheet 3) is an enlarged detail view of the positioning mechanism corresponding to Il'igure 1 but showing the parts in relationship which is assumed when the positioning element is inoperative.

Certain of the features of the present invention, and more particularly those involving the automatic means for producing and maintaining the desired tension on a film. are shown and claimed in the copending application of Clarkson Ulysses. Bundick and myself; Serial Number 44,482, filed July 18. 1925.

In carrying out the present invention there may be provided an apparatus comprising a sup-L porting base B having mounted thereon a lamp L and resistance containing housing H and a supporting frame 1" upon which are mounted the operating parts of the film feeding and controlling mechanism per se.

Preferably carried by the frame F andV pro- `iecting from one side thereof in predetermined spaced relationship are two reel receiving spindles 2 and 3. the spindle 2 beingadapted for the holding of a reel of film during the feeding movement thereof and adapted to eflect rewinding of the film at the conclusion of the feeding movement, while the spindle 3 is adapted during the feeding movement to be positively driven for coiling the film as required.

The fllm itself may be carried in a combined storage and exhibiting container comprising a. pair of containers (and 5 having a pivotal connection 8 whereby the containers may be relatively separated to a predetermined extent to expose a desired length of film therebetween, or it may be supported in any appropriate manner.

The spindle 3, which will hereafter be referred to as the driving or take-up spindle, 'is Journaled for rotation in a suitable bearing "l in the frame F. The opposite side of the frame is formed with an enlarged boss 'il through which the spindle extends, and beyond the boss there is secured to the spindle a combined brake drum 8 and friction driving member 9. The driving member 9 has a friction surface 10 with which a second friction member 11 in'the form of a msWWammt Los-1,087

disk is adapted to cooperate. The disk 11 and the driving member 9 are preferably held in frictional engagement by means of springs 12 carried by the member 9 and bearing against the disk 11 through the medium of an annulus 13, the springs being held under the desired tension and the annulus being maintained in position by adjusting screws 14. Projecting rearwardly from the disk 11 is a circular series of driving lugs 15 conveniently in [the form of closely spaced teeth or lugs 15 adapted to be engaged by a clutch hereinafter described in detail by means of which the driving spindle 3 may be frictionally rotated through the friction surfaces last above des'cribed.

Projecting from the base B in spaced relation to the frame F is a bearing bracket 16 carrying i a bearing 17 for a shaft 18 extending in alignment with the driving spindle 3. secured in any desired manner to the shaft 18 for rotation therewith is a worm wheel 19 adapted to be driven' by a worm 20 secured to a horizontally positioned driving shaft 21 located on one side of the frame F: This shaft at its forward end is mounted in spaced bearings 22 carried by the bracket 16 and is connected to a driving motor M through a flexible coupling 23 of any desired or unusual construction. By reason of this mechanism, it will be apparent that when the .motor M is operated the shaft 18 will be positively driven through the worm and wheel before referred to. For transmitting this rotational movement from 18 to the spindle 3 at will, there is prov| ed a sleeve 24 secured in any desired manneij 'fthe inner end of the shaft 18 and having slidably mounted thereon a collar` 25 from which project pointed pins 26 slidable through the enlarged end 27 of the sleeve 24. By moving the collar 25 to the right as viewed in Figure 5, the pins 26 are projected to bring their pointed ends into engagement with the driving lugs 15 whereby a positive drive is immediately established for the driving spindle. This clutch will hereinafter be referred to as the driving or take-up spindle clutch.

The spindle 2, which will hereinafter be designated the rewinding spindle, or, when the context makes such phrasing desirable, asthe delivery or supply spindle, is mounted similarly to the driving spindle 3 in a bearing 28 carried by the frame F, an enlarged boss 28' being provided coaxial with such bearing and spindle. and

has secured to one end a brake drum 29 from whichtprojects a pin or lug 30,. Extending in alignment with the rewinding spindle 2 is a shaft 31 suitably joumaled in a bearing 32 carried by a bracket33 illustrated as secured to the frame F. Mounted on the inner end of the shaft 31 is` a sleeve 3; having an enlarged end 34', throughv which project pins 35 carried by a collar 35 and constituting a rewinding clutch which may be generally singlar in construction and operation to theconstruction'of the driving spindle clutch. y

is mounted in line with a similar pulley, 38

mounted on the outerA end of a stub shaft 39 in the bracket 16. Also mounted on the shaft 39 is a spur gear 40 adapted to be driven by a similar, but preferably larger, gear 41 on the outer end of the shaft 18. It will be apparent that, by passing a suitable belt around-the pulleys 37 and 38, the shafts 18 and 31 may be simultaneously rotated by the motor M, the shaft 31 preferably revolving at a higher speed than the shaft 18, and that rotative movement in turn may be imparted through either of these shafts and by suitable operation of the controlling clutches, to the respective spindles with which they are in alignment.

It will readily be understood by those skilled in the art that this provision of a yielding drive for the shaft 31, especially in combination with the belt and pulley drive, prevents the forward or "leader end of the film which is attached to the take-up spindle 3 being torn loose therefrom at the conclusion of the re-winding cycle.

Mounted on the frame F adjacent the motor M is a substantially right angled gate section 42 preferably secured in any desired manner as by screws 43 against movement relatively to the frame. This section is preferably formed with an aperture 44 through which light may be projected as well understood in the art, and with a film guiding depression 45 extending lengthwise of the section and intersecting the opening or aperture 44 for the travel of the film. such film guiding depression being relatively deep. Cooperating with the section 42 is a relatively movable section 46 preferably guided by a pin 47 projecting outwardly from the section 42, and secured to one end of the gate opening rod 48 slidable through a suitable opening in the gate section 42 and a suitable bearing 49 on the frame F. By reason of this construction, it will be apparent that when the rod 48 is moved to the left as viewed in Figure 1 it will be effectivefor moving the section 46 away from the section 42 to permlt the removal of a film and the insertion of a new film, while movement in the opposite direction will bring the sections into cooperative relation.

For effecting the desired intermittent feeding motion of a film in position in the gate, there may be provided a feeding sprocket 50 having fllm engaging teeth 51 adapted t'o engage apertures substantially peripherally positioned in the .film This sprocket is mounted on a' shaft 53 extending transversely through the frame F and carrylng at its opposite end a star wheel 54. This star wheel, which may be of any well knownconstruction, is adapted to be intermittently driven by means of a sectionalv cam 55 secured adjacent one end of a shutter shaft 56 journaled at one end of a grease casing C within which are mounted the sectional cam 55 and star wheel 54, and at its opposite end. journaled in a suitable bearing 57 carried by a bracket 58 projecting from the frame F.

Mounted loosely upon the shaft 56 adjacent the opposite end thereof, as' illustrated in detail in Figure 3, is a pulley 59 with a long bearing 60 'upon which is mounted the driving collar 61 from which project forwardly the clutch pins 62 through appropriate openings in the pulley 59. Pinned to the shaft 56 there is provided the driven collar 63 to which there is attached one end of the spring 64, the other end of the spring being attached to the clutch element 65 to which there also is attached the driving block 66, the left hand end of which, as viewed in Figure 3,

' being preferably wedge-shaped so as to slip by the end of lthe clutch pins 62, if the pins and block should happen to be co-axial when brought toward engagement. i

Intermediate the gate section 42 and the' objective lens 0 the shutter 68 may be positioned. This shutter may be mounted as in the casting 293 adapted to be secured directly to one side of the main frame F and over a shaft receiving extension 294 passing through an opening 295 in the frame.

Mounted in the extension 294 is a shaft 295 carrying at one end'a spiral gear 297 adapted to mesh with a suitable gear 298 on the shaft 56, preferably positioned within the casing C. The opposite end of the shaft 296 extends into an enlargement 299 and is provided with a spiral gear 300 meshing with a suitable gear 301 on a longitudinally extendng shaft 302. The shaft 302 at one end carries the shutter 68 which may be secured in position by the driving disk 303.

The casting 293 may be shaped to receive thev Secured to the end of the driving shaft 21, i

and preferably substantial'ly in line with the pulley 59, is a pulley 69 around which may pass a belt 70 from the drive shaft for driving the pulley 59. By reason of this construction, it will be apparent that when the collar 61 and the pins 62 are moved to the right as viewed in Figure 3, the inertia of the spring 64 will'be absorbed and after a period of dwell rotation imparted to the shutter shaft 56 from the driving shaft 21, such rotation being effective for operating the shutter andfor obtaining the desired intermittent operation of the film feeding mechanism. i

' It will readily be understood that rotatlon is not imparted to the shaft 56 and hence to the intermittently moving spro'cket 50 until after the shaft 18 has been actuated. Power is directly communicated from the motor M through) the co'upling23, shaft 21, worm 20' and worm wheel 19 to the shaft'18 and to the take-up spindle 3 through the previously described clutch, which is immediately operative. Power is communicated to the sprocket 50 through the intermittent train. to which reference has been made, .the shaftv 56, the previously de'scribed inertiaabsorbing clutch. pulley 69, belt '10 and, pulley 59. the latter being secured to power shaft21. As a consequence it is apparent that even if both clutches should be rendered simultaneously operative the spindle 3 will begin to revolve before movement sprocket 50. to which reference has been made. It will be understood that the construction of the spring 64 may be such as to permit whatever period of dwell may be desired as the power IOC is imparted to the intermittent in rotation, by such means as a result avoiding inJury to the film and minimizing wear upon it.

Cooperating with the sprocket 50 and normally occupyins the position illustrated in Figures 1, 11, and 12 of the drawings, is a stripping shield 71 carried by the inner end of a pin 72 supported in a suitable manner by a bearing 73 constituting part\of the fixed gate section 42. A180 secured to the shaft 72 is a pinion 74 with which meshes an arcuate rack 75 having a pivotal mounting 76 and operated slrnultaneously with the operation of the gate rod 48 by means of a pin 77 pro- Jecting outwardiy from thegate opening rod and engaging a slot 78 in the extension 79 of the arcuate rack. With the construction just descr;bed. movement of the gate opening rod, to the left as viewed in Figure l, for the purpose of opening the relatively separable gate sections, will efl'ectjotation of the rack in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in that figure, thereby rotating the shield in a clockwise direction. This rotational movement of the shield will be effective for engaging the film andstripping the same from the sprocket preparatory to the removal of the film from the apparatus. It will remain in such position covering certain of the teeth of the sprocket during the insertlon of a new iilm or during rewinding, whereby the operation of threading the film is greatly expedited, or the film protected during rewinding, as the case may be.

For further assisting the threading movement, the relatively fixed gate section 42 is provided with a projecting guide 80 having a generally curved contour for gradually guiding the film over the fixed gate section, the guide having a curved and inclined end 81 for insuring passage of the film over the sprocket and an oppositely inclined and curved end 82 for the purpose hereinafter more fulLv set forth. The`frame F also has secured thereto a secondary guide member 83 positioned in spaced relation to the guiding member 80 and adapted to extend substantially in alignment with the inner -face of the movaole gate section when it has been moved to open position, whereby the film is effectively guided into position between these gate sections. The member 83 has a curved lower end 84 having a function corresponding to that of the curved end 82 of the guide member 80, and described in detail hereinafter. Preferably projecting from one end of the Jmovable gate section is a shoe 85 curved to conform generally to the curvature of the sprocket 50, the contour of 'the inner surface accommodating the teeth 51 of the sprocket. These guides and shoe cooperate in a manner, as will be readily apparent from the drawings, to permit a film to be positioned between the gate member by merely moving the same edgewise laterally relative to its normal direction of travel through the gate. The movement of the shoe 85; later described, is effective to place the film in opcerative contact with the sprocket 50. This greatly lessens the time requiredfor threading new film into position, and enables the operation to be performed satisfatorily by an unskilled operator.

In order entirely to obviate the necessity of manually producing slack or loops as heretofore required, there is provided a tension control means of the general character set forth in the co-pending application before referred to of said Bundick and myself. This tension control preferably includes braking means automatically op- 'erated by the film, and comprising a brake shoe 88 cooperating with the brake drum 29 on the rewinding spindle 2 and a brake shoe 87 cooperating with the brake drum 8 on the driving spindle 8 (Figura .4) The brake shoe 87 by means of the resilient member 87' is attached to a curved through the apparatus all of the parts occupy the posmo mustratea m lFigure 1 whue during 'the threading of a illmvinto position or the removal of a film from the apparatus. 'the parts occupy the position illustrated in Figure 3." In this latter position it will be noted that the guide 94 occupies such a position with respect to the curved end 84 of the guide member 83 as to insure the passage of a film around the guide 94 automatically upon lateral movement of the film, while the guide occupies such a position with respect to the inclined curved upper end 82 of the guide member 80 as to insure passage of a film over and around the guide 90 by the operation referred to.

As power is applied to the sprocket 50. the sprocket revolves, and the film is pulled from the spindle 2, the arm 88 is depressed and energy is stored in the spring 96. This movement of the film may be cushioned by the operation of the fiat spring 90. While the sprocket 50 is at rest. the spring 96,acts on the arm 88 to cause an amount of the film to be pulled from the spindle 106 fed forwardly, ihe portion. necessary to compen- 110 sate for the displacement caused thereby being the length of film previously pulled from the spindle 2 and such as at, that moment is pulled from the spindle 2. This movement of the filrn F again moves the arm 88 to store power in the spring 96 which is used during the next period of rest of vthe sprocket 50 to pull more film from the sprocket 2, and the foregoing cycle is repeated throughout the entire period of operation.

In addition to the operation above described,

the lever 88 and its associated parts perform a braking function. The lever 88 is normally swung in such direction as to bring the brake 86 into contact with the drum 29 by means of the spring 96. Due to the action of this spring, the brakeJ 88 tends to prevent too free rotation of the rewinding shaft and thereby prevents the tension on the film becoming less than that required for proper feeding. In the event, however, of a tendency toward too great tension, the tension on the film causes the lever 88 to move in opposition to the-action of the spring 96, thereby relieving the braking action of the brake 88 to a corresponding extent and reestablishing the predetermined tension on the film.

The operation of the arm 92, the yielding film pad 94, the take-up spindle 3 and the sprocket 50 is analagous to that of the elements between the film away from the sprocket and to maintain p the tension upon the film during the next period of rest ofI the sprocket 50. As the spindle 3 revolves during the period of rest of the sprocket 50, a direct pull upon the perforations of the film seated upon the teeth 51 of the sprocket is prevented by the cushioning effect of the spring 94 offsetting the frictional drive of the spindle 3.

In addition to the auxiliary feeding operation above described, the arm 87' with its associated parts performs a braking function.

The lower brake 87, is normally so positioned as to exert little braking action on the drum 8. In the event, however, of a tendency toward undue tension on the film between the feeding sprocket 50 and the reel carried by the driving spindle 3, the film will be effective to swing the lever 92' in such direction about its pivotal mounting 97 on the plate 93 as to bring the brake 87 into more effective braking engagement with the drum 8. Due to the fact that the spindle 3 is driven from the motor through a friction drive, such braking action will be effective for decreasing the driving force on the spindle 3, and consequently will relieve the tension on the film and produce the desired Operating conditions between the sprocket and the lower reel.

The'braking operation above described is of great usefulness where abnormal conditions of feeding arise, such for example as the binding of a shaft from any cause, as lack of lubrication or the intruslon of a piece of grit, or sudden acceleration or deceleration of the intermittent sprocket 50 owing to a sudden change in the voltage applied to the motor M or other temporary aberration characteristic of feeding. Applicant has been able successfully to feed film without the use of the braking means in addition to the primary tension controlling means but he prefers to use both means.

In the manner described required tension on the film to insure proper feeding is automatically secured by the mere threading of the film into position, and is automatically maintained by the operation of the tension or braking mechanism.

It will be understood, however, that the present invention may be utilized in connection with continuous feeding, with optical rectification of the image, or in connection with the feeding method employing the conventional unsupported loops of slack film.

When the apparatus is utilized for so-called "still" projection ofwpictures and in connection with film threading or film rewinding, it is desirable or necessary to provide means in the path of travel of the light rays for protecting the film against danger of injury by reason of undue temperature conditions. For effectively shielding the film during such periods, there is provided a trap or shield 98 composed of suitable material such as copper screen of suitable mesh carried by a shaft 99 having one end journaled in a bearing- 100 projecting from the frame F and having its other end suitably journaled in the supporting base B. This shaft is adapted to be periodically operated in accordance with the character of operation of the machine, for bringing the shield positively into position when the apparatus is operating for the still projection of pictures or when a film is being threaded or rewound and to throw it out of position for the projection of pictures in motion.

It will be readily understood that when the apparatus is in film threading position, with the gate open and the tension control members in inoperative position cooperating with the guiding members associated with the gate and with the shield associated with the sprocket, a definite path is provided for the film between the spindles 2 and 3. into which path the film can be placed with one bodily movement thereof. In many cases, the operator with this one movement places the film completely in such film track, but if he is careless, hasty or unskilled, he may not move it completely within the track in all its parts. Therefore, I have provided lateral positioning mechanism' which automatically brings the film completely into the film track and into the proper Operating plane thus automatically carrying out one of the important parts of the threading operation, after the user has placed it within the general area of the gate, and retains it therein.

As will be apparent from Figures l, 6, 14 and 15, there are provided film positioning or threading fingers 201 of such nature that when retracted they lie entirely within the recess 202 within the area of the gate section 80. Suitably attached to the fingers 201 is a connecting rod 203, to which movement may be applied through operation of the arm 204. Inserted within an opening 205 therein is the link 206 which in turn is attached to the lever 207 having a pivotal mounting 208 carried by the bracket 209 projecting from the gate section 42. The end of the lever 207 opposite to that to which the link 206 is attached, may be turned substantially at right angles to the body portion to furnish an angular portion 210 provided with an opening 211 for the reception of pin 77 previously described as carried by the rod 48.

By reason of this construction, it will be apparent, when the rod 48 is moved to the left as viewed in the drawings, it will be effective for rotating the lever 207 in a counter-clockwise direction and effecting thereby a similar rotational movement of the flngers 201 from the looking position shown in Figure 14 into the inoperative position shown in Figure 15. As such fingers 201 move into a position substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the rod 203, and within the limits of the gate section 80, the gate section 46 is moved relatively to the section 42, thus opening the gate and permitting the removal of a used film and the insertion of another film.

Movement of the rod 48 to the right, however, will perform hthe opposite function. The fingers 201 will be rotated clockwise simultaneously with the closing of the gate and the movement of the shoe whereby they will tend to sweep completely into the gate and into the film path generally, any film which may have been positioned within the general area of the gate and thereby keep such film locked in position until the rod 48 is again operated.

In many cases, however, it ls desirable to force the film completely into its path well in advance of the complete closing of the gate. In Figures 1, 16 and 17, there is illustrateda modified embodiment of the invention by means of which such an operation maybe accomplished.

In such modification the right angled portion 210' of the lever 207' is substantially arcuate and adapted to receive a relatively long slot 211' in which the pin 77 moves. The opposite end of such lever 207' is connected'to the link 206 in any desired manner, the link 206, however, being preferably continued beyond the plane of such lever 207' to provide a post 212 for cooperation with a tension spring 213 so positioned as to snap the lever 2.07' in one direction or the closed position.

\It will be readily understood that such provision of lateral positioning and looking members, eflective before the gate is completely closed, is also of great usefulness in apparatus of the type in which the initial po'sitioning of the film is along its normal path of travel through the apparatus.

I 'preferably provide a control mechanism for the operation of the rod 48 and hence of the positioning and looking flngers 201 in timed or sequential relation to the other parts of the threading operation, Vsuch as the clutching and 'declutching of the intermittently moving means, to the clutching and declutching of the rewinding means, to the movement of the strlpping and protective means into and out of operative relationship respectively, and to the starting and stopping of the shutter, and the movement of the heat shield into and out of operative relationship, as well as to the opening and closing of the gate and the actuation of the shoe as set forth above. Such timed or sequential operation is extremely important to a completely automatic or fool proof film handling apparatus in which the tbreading and related operations are automatically carried out. g

`1''or controlling the operation of the apparatus in the manner desired. there is preferably provided a single control member in the form of a knob or button 101 proiecting through a substantially U shaped slot 102 in the supporting base B. This slot is so shaped as to provide four Operating stations designated. respectively, S1, S2, S3 and S4. The button 101 is adapted to be moved at will so as to occupy any one of these stations. With the button at the station S1,

the respective parts of the apparatus are in such' position as to insure the normal projection of pictures in the usual motion picture manner.

^With the control button at Station S2. there is obtained .a so-calied still or stereoptioon provJection, the movement of the button from the station S1- to the station S2 being effective for disengaging the respective driving mechanisms which are in operation during the projection of i pictures in motion. With the-button in position at station S3, the respective parts of the apparatus are in such position as to permit the politioning of a film therein or the removal of 'a film which has `iust been fed therethrough. It will be understood that the movement of the button from station S2 to station S3 automatically produces the required change in the Operating position of the parts. With the button trol knob is to a large extent shown in Figures 7. V

8, 9 and 10 inclusive, which illustrate in succession the changes in the position of the parts of the control mechanism by movement of the control button successively to the respective stations. Such mechanism may comprise a lever 103 keyed or otherwise secured to one end of a brake release rod 104 Joumahd in any desired manner in the base B; the other end being journaled in a bearing bracket 105'. Being secured to the brake release rod '104 which is capable only of a tuming movement about its longitudinal axis. the lever 103 is restricted in its movement to rotation only. Carried by the rotating lever 103 is a combined sliding and rotating lever 106 having adjacent each end a slot 107 through each of which projects a headed pin 108 by means of which the combined sliding 'and rotating lever is effeotively mounted on the rotating lever for rotational movement simultaneously therewith and sliding movement independently thereof. At one end the lever 106 carries a pin 109 having a head 110 against one side of which bears one end of a compression spring 111. The opposite end of this spring bears against a flange 112 extending inwardly from the control button 101. By reason of this construction it will be apparent that the button may be moved axially on the pin -109 but that the spring 111 will normally be effective for urging the button toward the base B. The button has a collar 113 of a ,diameter to substantiallyconform to' the contour of the slot 102 at the respective Operating stations. whereby with the. button in its normal position accidental movement from one of these stations is prevented.

At a' point' intermediate its length the combined rotatlng and sliding lever 106 is provided with a transversely extending recess 114 adapted to cooperate with a pin y115 projecting from a lever 116 which is secured adjacent one end of the control sleeve 117 surrounding a control rod 118, the sleeve and rod extending through the base B and iournaled for rotational movement in bearings 119 carried by the bracket 16 and by a bearingl 120 carried by the bracket 33. Adiacent one end, the control sleeve 117 has projecting therefrom forked Operating arms 121 carrying projecting pins 122 adapted normally to lie in the groove 123 of the clutch member 82 n the shutter shaft 56.

By reason of this const ctlon it will be apparent that upon rotation of th sleeve 117 in a counterclockwise direction, as. viewed in Figure '1; the clutch pin 82 and the block 68 will be disenfl'fled, thereby destroying the driving relationship between the main drive shaft 21 and the shutter shaft 56.

At an intermediate point the control sleeve is provided also with a similar pair of arms 124 having pins 125 normally projecting into the groove' 1-26 of the clutch coilar 25. Rotation of the sleeve in a counter-clockwise direction as just described will .be effective through the arms 124 for disengaging the driving spindie clutch thereby to 140 permit the driving spindie to move freely in either direction. Engagement of the y driving spindie clutch and the shutter shaft clutch will be effective for the so-called projection ofl pictures in motion but this engagement is not required for still or stereopticon results. Such operation of the sleeve 117 is obtained by moving the control button from station S1 to station S2, or from the position shown in Figure 7 to the position shown in Figure 8. by 'reason of the relative move- 140, which may be secured in any desired manner.

ment imparted to the sleeve due to the sliding action of the lever 106.

In order to assist in the actuation of the takeup spindle clutch in advance of the clutch controlling the sprocket 50, the position of the arms 122 and 124 relat-ive to the axis of the control sleeve 117 and to each other may be such that the clutch pins 26 become effective for driving the spindle 3 almost immediately with the movement of the control button 101 awayfrom station S2 toward station S1 while the pins 62 do not move into the path of the block 66 and henoe are not positioned to begin to absorb the inertia of the spring 64 until the travel of the button 101 to station S1 has been completed.

Pivotally mounted adjacent the side of the combined sliding and swinging lever structure is a detent 127. One end of this detent has connected thereto one end of a tension spring 128, the opposite end of which is secured to a suitable projection on the base B of the apparatus. The spring normally tends to swing the detent in a counter-clockwise direction about its pivotal mounting as will be apparent from the drawings.

It will be readily understood that at the conclusion of the projection cycle, although the control mechanism may remain in the position described above, the f'llm is protected from injury. The driving spindle continues to rotate, but the frictional driving connection for the driving spindie 3, previously described, materially lessens the strain upon the film.

In changing from the normal projection to the projection of still pictures, it is also necessary or desirable to move the shield or screen 98 into position. This is positively accomplished simultaneously or in timed relation with the rotation of the sleeve 117, through the medium of a lever 129, pivoted at its intermediate portion on a stu'i pivot 130, secured in the base B. At one end the lever 129 has a slot 131, within which projects the pin 115 on the lever 116. At its opposite end, the lever 129 is pivotally connected to a link 133, the opposite end of which is connected to a crank arm 134, secured to the lower end of the shaft 99. The opposite end of the lever 129 is curved to provide a recess, as clearlyv shown in the drawings, adapted to permit the desired operation of the detent 127 without interference therewith. Through the medium of the mechanism just described, the movement of 'the lever 106 from station S1 to station S2 will rotate the lever 129 in such direction as to swing the heat shield into light-intercepting position. It will be noted that this movement of the light shield takes place positively in timed relation to the movement of the Operating parts necessary in obtaining still projection, and thereby eliminates any possibility of injury to a film from the heat of the light source while the film is stationary.

It may be assumed that after the single projection of a film, or the repeated projection thereof, it is desired to change the same, or that in starting it may be necessary to move the parts of the apparatus into such position that a filmmay be threaded into position therein. Under such circumstances, the control button will be moved from Station S2 to Station S3. This movement will be effective only for rotating the brake release rod 104 and for bringing a recess 137 in the lever 106 into cooperative engagement with a pin 138, projecting from a lever 139, secured to one end of the control rod 118.

The lever 139 is normally held in the position shown in Figures 7. 8-aud 9 by a tension spring to the base B of the apparatus. In this position. the pin 138 will be received by the slot 137 when the parts are rotated in the manner described.

At the commencement of the movementl from Station S2 to Station S3, the combined swinging and sliding lever structure will be moved away from the detent 127, thereby permitting it to swing in a counter-clockwise direction under the influence of its tension spring. This movement will be effective for bringing the notched end of the detent into engagement with the projection 116' of the end of the lever 116, whereby the lever 116 and its associated parts will be held in the proper position.

The rotation of the brake release rod is effective for opening the gate, for moving the brakes 86 and 87 and their associated parts to inoperatlve position, for so actuating the stripper shield 71 as to effect the desired bodily removal of a film from the sprocket 50 or the shielding of the sprocket to permit the threading of a new film into position, and for moving the positioning and looking flngers 201 to inoperative position. These Operations are obtained by securing to the upper end of the brake release rod a pin 141 extending into a slot 142 in one arm of a bellcrank lever 143, having a pivotal mounting 144 on the frame F. The opposite end of the bellcrank lever is in cooperative engagement with one end of a link 145 movable through a slide or guide 146 and having one end bent to extend over the brake lever 88. Movement of the control button from the Station S2 to the Station S3 will be effective for rotating the brake release rod 104 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 9, thereby rotating the bellcrank lever 143 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 4, and consequently. rotating the brake lever 88' about its pivotal mounting 89 in opposition to the spring 96 for moving the brake 86 to inoperative position.

Movement of the lower brake is obtained simultaneously with actuation of the upper brake through the medium of a crank lever 147, secured at an intermediate point to the brake release rod. As is clearly shown in Figure 6A, this crank lever has a slot 148 in its free end into which projects a pin 149 carried by the gate control rod 48. The right hand end of the gate control rod as viewed in Figure 3, is connected by a link 150 with the plate 93, whereby said plate and the gate control rod operate in unison. Movement of the brake release rod occasioned by operation of the control button from Station S2 to Station S3 is 'efiective for rotating the plate 93 and all parts carried thereby in such direction as to move the film guide 94 in the slot 95 and bring it into such cooperative relation tothe guides and 83 as shown in Figura 3. as to facilitate the removal of a film or the positioning of another film. This movement of the gate control rod will also tend to separate the gate sections and will move the shield 71 into stripping and shielding position and to move the positioning and looking flngers 201 into inoperative position, as will be obvious.

If it is not .desired to change a film. 'he control button may be moved from station S3 to station S4, or may be moved from station S2 to station S4 without stcpping at station S3. This movement will be effective by reason of the engagement between the recess 137 and the pin 138 for rotating the control rod 118. At its freeend. this control rod carries spaced arms 151, similar to the arms 121 and 124, previously described, and provided with pins 152, normally lying in the groove 153: in the rewinding clutch collar 36. The rotation of the control rod 118 as occasioned by the movement of the control button from Station S3 to Station S4 will -be such as to move the rewinding clutch into operative position, whereby the spindle 2 is connected in driving engagement with the shaft 31, this engagement being such Ithat the film may be rea wound by the continued operation of the motor M. It will be readily understood that any undue strain upon the film during or at the conclusion of the rewinding cycle is obviaied not only by the slippage between the driving pulley 37 and the collar 31', but also by slippage between the belt and its pulleys 37 and 38 previously described.

During this time, the spring 140 will be held under tension in such manner tha'; should an operator fail to completely position the button at the Station S4, the spring will be effective for aufomatically restoring the parts to an inoperative position at Station S3.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the operation of a single control button performs' in succession those changes in the Operating positions of the various parts necessary for permitting any desired condition of operation of the apparatus. Upon movement of the control button from Station S4 to Station S3, the rewinding clutch will be disengaged and the lever 139 held in position by the spring 140. Upon movement from the Station S3 to the Station S2, the recess 137 will leave the pin 138 and the brake release rod 104 will be rotated in the opposite direction to that heretofore described.

During this movement, the combined swinging and sliding lever structure will come in'.o engagement with the detent 127 and swing it in a clockwise direction against the action of its controlling spring 128. to thereby release the pro- ;lection 116' from the holding action of the detent,"and permit the lever 116 and its associated parts to be subsequently moved as required, upon movement of the control button from Station S2 to Station S1; Such movement of the button will swing the lever 116 in the opposite direction to that previously described, and thereby effect re-engagement of the main or shutter clutch and of the driving spindle clutch. At the same time, lever 129 will be restored io itsoriginal position, thereby, in turn, effecting movement of the heat shield to inoperative position. a

Mechanism may be provided for the showing of successive still pictures. Such mechanism, as illustrated more parlicularly in Figures 2 and 5, 'may comprise a shaft 154 mounted in bearings 155 on the back of the frame F. At its lower end, this shaft carries a'bevel gear 156 adapted to mesh with a similar gear 157 on the shutfer' shaft 56. Normally, the gears .156 and 157 are maintained out of engagement by means of a compression spring 158 effective for moving the shaft 154 upwardly. At its upper end, this shaft carries a knurled actuating nut or knob 159 which may be grasped at will by an operator, thus enabling him to bring the gears 156 and 157 into engagement for the slow rofation of the shutter shaft. Such rotation will be effective to "frame" an image, if desired. At this time it will be understood that the control button will occupy a position at Station S2.

carried by the frame F and positioned in line between the vdiament of the light source L and the aperture 44 'of the gate is the condensing lens casing v161 which supports the condensing lens 161'. This condensing lens as is usual in the art concentrates the light upon the aperture.

The combined lighting resistance and ventilating' unit is contained within the housing H. Within this housing is mounted in' any desired manner a lamp L adjustably carried by a bracket 162 having pivotal mounting 163 in a bracket164. Also having a pivotal mounting in the bracket 164 is a reflector R.

Secured to one side of the housing is a resistance carrying unit 165 providing a suitable resistance for the lamp L. Mounted on back of the base B is a second resistance 166 with which cooperates a control finger 167 operated by a rod 168` and a button '169, conveniently posltioned as upon the front of the apparatus, adjacent the control button 101, by means of which resistance may be cut into or out of the motor Operating circuit at will.

A fan 169' Operating within a housing 170 and attached to an extension 171 of the armatura shaft of the motor M is continuously effective throughout the periods of operation of the apparatus for ventilating the lamp house, and the parts therein. V

Figure 13 illustrates the' wiring of the apparatus.

Certain of the advantages of my invention 4have been stated in the above portion of this specification. Other advantages include the pro-` vision of method and means whereby all the Operations of a film handling apparatus may be automatically instituted and carried out. with minimum eifort and skill on the part of the operator and minimum likelihood of damage. to the film.

A motion picture film is a ribbon of light sensitive or image bearing material of a breadth many times its thickness. In cross section, therefore, a film would properly be represented by a rectangle, two sides of which would be represented by long parallel lines and the other two sides of which would be represented by relativeLv vastly shorter parallel lines Joining the long parallel lines. The relatively long lines indicate a dimension of 35 or 16 millimeters and the'relatively short lines a dimensionl of about six one-thousandths of an inch. In the subjoined claims. the word "edge" is used to indicate a portionV of the film which would be indicated. in the above described diagram by one of said relatively very short parallel lines. Also, as applied to the film path, the word "edge" indicates the portion corresponding to the above defined "edge" of the film.

I claim:

1. In a film handling apparatus. a plurality of fllm engaging means having a path of travel for a film therebetween, means adapted to position the film in said path of travel, means adapted to feed the film along said path from one of said 135 engaging means to another, mechanism adapted to drive said feeding means, and mechanism interconnecting said positioning means and said driving mechanism for assuring the operation of said positioning means prior to the operation of said driving mechanism.`

2. In a film handling apparatus, mechanism for feeding a film. a motor, means for operatively connecting said mechanism and said motor.. means engaging an edge of the film for laterally moving the film into a pre-determined position relative to said mechanism, and a single means for` controlling both of said previously mentioned means and efiective for Operating the same.

3. In a film handling apparatus. a member for feeding a film, a motor, means for operatively connecting said member and said motor, presser means for moving the film from a pre-determined.

position between said presser means and said feeding member andinto operative relation with said member, means movable relatively to both said presser means and said feeding member for moving the film into such pre-determined position, and control mechanism, said control mechanism including a movable actuating member and mechanism connecting said actuating member with all of said previously mentioned means for operating said positioning means wherebv. first, the film is moved into such position between said presser means and said feeding member upon the first portion of the movement of said actuating member and for operating said presser means for moving the film from such position into operatlve relation with said. feeding member upon the succeeding portion fof such movement of said actuating member and for Operating said means for operatively connecting said member and said motor upon the next succeeding portion of such movement ofsaid actuating member whereby, the film having been automatically' positioned thereupon, said feeding member is operated and the regular feeding operation of the film carried on.

4. In a film handling apparatus, a member for feeding a film, a motor, means for operatively connecting said member and said motor, means for moving the film in one direetion for the purpose of bringing it within a pre-determined position relative to said member, means for moving the film in a direetion approximately at right angles to such previously mentioned direetion for the purpose of moving the film from such position and into operative relation with said member, each of said moving means being movable relatively to the other and to the film and a single control means int'erlocking all of said previouslv mentloned means and effective for operating the'same.

5. In a film handling apparatus, a member for feeding a film, presser means for moving the film in one direetion for the purpose of operatively positioning it upon said feeding member, positioning means'for moving the film in a direction angular to such first mentioned direetion for the purpose of moving it into a predetennined posioutside of such space, and Operating mechanism` interlocking said presser means and said positioning means for successively actuating the same. i

6. In a fllm handling apparatus, lmeans for feeding a film, mechanism for Operating said means, operable means for laterally positioning 'the dfilm relatively, to'said feeding means, and control mechanism interconnectingsaid means and mechanism and necessarily rendering said positioning means effective before said operat mechanism can become effective.

7. In a film handling apparatus, a gate comprising a fixed section and a movable section, means movable relatively to both said sections for initially moving a film into a predetermined position between said sections, a member for feeding the film between said sections after such initial positioning, Imeans for driving said member, and TC' operating mechanism for both of said means, said operating mechanism including a movable actuating member and mechanism connecting said actuating member and each of said means for first Operating said positioning means while maintaining said driving means ineifectve upon said member during the first portion of the movement of said actuatlng member and thereafter rendering said driving means effective upon said feeding member upon a succeeding portion of the movement of said actuating-member.

8. In a film handling apparatus, a gate including two sections defining a path of travel for a film therebetween, means for moving a fllm in a direction angular to such path from aspace outside of that intervening' between said sections and into such space for the pflrDOse of initially positioning the film in said gate between said sections thereof, means for feeding the fllm between said sections after such` initial positioning, and a single actuating mechanism interlocking both of said means.

9. In a film handling apparatus, a gate including a fixed section and a section movable relatively thereto to a position parallel therewith for deflning a path of travel for a film therebetween and to a position relatively dlstant from said fixed section, means for moving a film in a direction angular to such path from a space outside of that intervening between said sections when said movable section is disposed in such distant position into the space intervening therebetween for the purpose of initially positioning the fllm in said gate, means for moving said movable section into cooperative relation with said fixed section, means for feeding the film between said sections after such initial positioning, control mechanism inter-looking all of said means, and a single actuating member for said mechanism.

10. Film feeding apparatus which comprises a revoluble toothed film feeding member, a movable member adapted to engage a' film and move it in a direetion substantiall'xzv parallel to, the axis of said feeding member and into a pre-determined position relative thereto, mechanism for operating said member, mechanism. for removing the film from the teeth of said feeding' member. and a single control means interlocking both of said mechanisms for successively operating each of the v same.

11. In a film handling apparatus, a toothed 120 member for feeding a film, a protective member for rendering the teeth of said feeding member inaccessible by the iilm, Operating means ,for

moving said protective member from and to protective position, a presser member for brininz 125,v

the` film into operative engagement with the teeth of said feeding member, positioning means for initially moving the film into the' Space intervening between said presser memberfiand said feeding member, and control mechanism interlocking said positioning means and said Operating means for said protectivemember and effective for actuating each thereof in timed relation.

12. Film feeding apparatus which comprises mechanism to feed a film, a member adapted to engage the edge of the film for'laterally moving it into apre-determined position relative to said mechanism, means tooperate said member, means to bring the film into operative relation with said mechanism, a source of power, means to bring w! said mechanism into operative connection with a source of power, means to break such operative connection, means bodily to remove the film from said mechanism, and control mechanism interlooking all of said means and effective to operate each of 'the same.

`13. In a film handling apparatus, an apertured gate, a light source which directs light upon the aperture of said gate, means cooperating with said light source to diminish the heat thereof eii'ec- 15 tive upon a film at said ape'rture, means effective for laterally moving the film into correct position relative to said aperture, and control mechanism interlocking both of saidl means and necessarily effective to maintain said heat diminishing means in operative position until after said moving means has been effective for moving the film into such correct position relative to said aperture.

14. In a film handling apparatus. an apertured gate, a light source 'which directs light upon the aperture of said gate, means cooperating with said light source for diminishing the heat thereof effective upon a nim at said aperture, means effective for moving the film into a pre-determined position relative'to said aperture. means for feeding the film past said -aperture', control mechanism interlocking all of said means, said control mechanism including an actuating member. a plurality of 'operating stations. and mechanism connecting said actuating member and said heat diminishingmeans, said positioning means. and said feeding means for Operating said means for moving the film into such 'predetermined position and for maintaining said heat diminishing means locked in heat diminishing position and said feeding means inoperatlve upon the movement of said actuating member to one of said stations and for 'rendering said heat diminishing means inefi'ecing member. a -spring for Operating said moving member; means for applying the power of said spring' to said member, a filmengaging member disposedv between said feeding member and said supporting member, said' engaging member being mounted for movement between two positions at one of which `th'atsection of the film extending between said feeding member and said supporting member Isdisposed in a curved line and at the other of which such section of the film approaches the chord of such curved line, and an Operating mechanism connecting said engaging member and said means forl applying the power of said spring to said member, whereby said moving member is'operated, uponithe movement of relatively long path between saidsupports, means for moving -said pat'i-definingrmeans from one of said 'positions to-the other, means for bodlly' moving the fllm fromla position outside of said path into'the path so. defined by said path-defining means, and control mechanism operatively i'nterconnecting'said means for moving said pathdefiningomeans and said means-for moving the fllminto said path and veffective for Operating bothxof the sama a Q I 17. In a .nim apparatu, an idling deliv'ery carrier, 'av continuou'sly driven take-up carrier, a member for. anlxn from said delivery carrier .toward said take-up carrier, means for initially increasing' the length of the film extending between said carriers where'- by a sufiicient amount of film is initiallv provided between said carriers to allow for the compensation necessary because of the difference of character of movementvof said carriers and said intermittent feeding means during the operation *of the same. and operabie means for initially positioning the film by moving it into the area of operation of said means for initially increasing the length thereof. v

18. In a film handling apparatu's, van idl'lngdelivery carrier, a continuously ldriven take-up carrier,` means for' intermlttently feeding the film from said delivery carrier toward said take-upv carrier, said means'including a member positioned betweenv said carriers and adapted to engage the film, means for initially increasin'g the length of film extending between said carriers whereby compensationl for the difference in the Character of the movement of said carriers and said intermittent member may be secured, positioning means for initialbr moving the filmiinto operative relation with said means for increasmeans interconnecting said compensating means and said positioning means and effective for first Operating said positioningmeansand thereafter ing the length thereof. 'andsequential 'control for Operating said .compensating means whereby the film is automatically first placed in such relation with said compensating means that said compensating means may be operative thereupon and thereafter said compensating means is operatedv initially to increase the length of the fiim'.

19. In a film handling apparatus, means 'for travel and means for bodily moving the film in relation ;to such path of travel, said moving means comprising a fiim ensasing member,-an Operating 1 shaft, said film engaging member being mo'unted upon said shaft and said shaft being disposed substantially parallel to such-path, a spring for rotating said shaft whereby said member-is op'- erated. an operabie control member; and a connection between saidV control member and said. spring for applying the power of said spring to said shaft upon the operation of said 'control member.

20'. In a film handling apparatus, a member for feeding' a film along a pre-determined path of travel, a; member for bodily moving a film relatively to such path, and mechanism for Operatingv said moving member, said mechanism comprising a shaft upon which said moving member is mounted, a spring for rotating said shaft. a'pivoted member, and an Operating connection between said pivoted member and said spring for applying the power of said spring upon the movement of said pivoted member to v'said shaft whereby said moving member is operated.

i2i. In a film handling apparatus, a feedingmember, a member for moving a film into a predetermlned position relative to said feeding member, a mounting for said moving member, and mechanism for rotating said mounting 'for the purpose of operatingsaid member, said mecha- -nism including a longitud'lnally movable' rod, a' toggle connected to said mounting, means 'con-- necting said rodand said toggle effective for initially breakingsaid toggle-upon the first portion of the movement of said rod; said breakingtoggle action being effective to partly rotate said mounting, 'a spring ng'aging said toggle effective to complete the breaking'movement rapidly 110 feeding a film through a pre-determined path of? I after it begins, and means for moving said rod iongitudinally to initially break said toggle.

22. In a film handiing apparatus, a gate comprising a fixed section and a section movable relativeiy thereto, means movable relatively to both of said sections and effective for laterally moving a film into the space which intervenes between said sections when they are disposed in relatively,

such path of travel and into said gate, and con-y trol means for said gate and said rotatabie member, said means comprising a movable actuating member and connections between said actuating member and said rotatabie member for nrst operating said rotatabie member and thereafter ciosing said gate.

24. In a fllm handling apparatus, an openabie gate through which a` film travels. operable means cooperating with said gate for laterally moving the film into a predetermined position therein, and Operating mechanism interconnecting said gate and said means for Operating said positioning means prior to the closing of said gate. said Operating mechanisms including devices interpo'sing a period of dwell between the mm positioning and gate closing.

25. Agatedeflningapathforaniminamm handiing apparatus, said gate comprising two sections, one of which is flxed and the other of which is movable from and to cooperative relation thereto, an auxiliary member bodily movable relativelyv to both of said sections into a position wherein it maintains the nim in a predetermined cooperative relation to said seetions, said auxiliary member being mounted for rotation upon an axis which is disposed adiacent one side of said fixed section and, substantially parallel to the path of the nim through the gate, and sequentially operable means interlocking said auxiliary member and said movable section whereby said gate, section and said member may be operated in a pre-determined timed relation.

26. In a film handling apparatus, an openable gate comprising a fixedgate section and a section movable into cooperative relation therewith, a film positioning Imember, a mounting for said member, an Operating rod. means for moving said rod, and Operating connections'between said rody said mounting' and said movable-section of said gate for first rotating said mounting whereby said member is bodiiy moved relatively to both of'said gate sections and into cooperative relation therewith upon the first portion of the movement of said rod and for thereafter moving said movable gate section into such cooperative relation with said fixed section whereby said gate is closed upon the succeeding portion of the movement of said rod. f

spring engag'ing said means and controlled by said actuating member, the first portion of a predetermined movement of said actuating member rendering said spring effective to move said means and quickly rotate said mounting, further operative movement of said actuating member being ineifective on said mounting.

28. In a film handling apparatus, an openable gate, a member for moving a film into a predetermined position within said gate, a mounting for said member, and mechanism for rotating said mounting for the purpose of Operating said member. said mechanism comprising a longitudinaliy movable actuating member, mechanism operatively connecting said actuating member and said mounting for rotating said mounting upon the iongitudinai movement of said actuating member, and means for moving said actuating member.

29. In a film handiing apparatus, an apertured gate which consists of two fixed members, one of which is positioned substantially at right angles to the optical axis of said gate and the other of which is positioned substantially parallel to such axis and at right angles to said first mentioned fixed section. such disposition of said fixed members being effective to detlne a first and second side of the path of the film through said gate. and two members bodiiy movable reiatively to each other and to said fixed members, a first of said movable members including means for mounting it that it may be disposed in a cooperative position relative to both of said fixed members wherein it deiines a third side of said path, the second of said movable members including means formountingitthatitmaybedisposedln a cooperative position relative to said nrst'mentioned fixed member and said flrst movable member wherein it defines a fourth side of such path, and Operating mechanism interiocking both of said movable vmembers and effective by the operation for moving each of them from suchpositions in timed relation.

30. In a iilm handling apparatus, a member for feeding a film. a motor, means for operatively connecting said feeding member and said motor, pressure means for moving the film into operative relation with said feeding member, positioning means movable relatively to said presser means for moving the film into a predetermined position between said presser means and said feeding member, and a single means interconnecting aii of said previously mentioned means and effective for Operating the same.

31. In a film handling apparatus, an openable gate through which a film passes, said gate including a fixed section and a movable section, means movable relativeiy ,to both of said sections for initially moving themm into a predetermined position relative to said gate, means for ciosing said gate. mechanism for feeding the film through said gate, a source of power for said mechanism, means for bringing said feeding mechanism into operative relation with said source of power, and mechanism interlocking all of mld means and assuring the operation of all of the same in timed-relation.

32. 'In a film handling apparatus, a toothed member for feeding a film, an operable protective member for rendering the teeth of said feeding member inaocessible by the film, a presser member for bringing the film into operative engagement with the teeth of said feeding member. positioning means for initially moving the iiim into the space] intervening between said presser member and said -feeding member, and control mechanism interlocking said positioning means and said protective member and effective for operating said positioning meansvwhile maintaining said 5protective member in protective position.

,ed to pass, a brake shoe cooperating with said carrier, and a connection between said shoe and guide whereby the tension of the material varies the efi'ectiveness of said braking means upon its carrier, and mechanism for initialiy` moviru the material from a position outside of such path into such path and into operativeposition relative to said guide. i

34. Apparatus for the feeding of material comprising a pluraiity of carriers, means for feeding the material therebetween, mechanism controlled by the material for determining. the rate of rotation of at least one of vsaid carrlers, said mechanism including a member engklna the material between said carriers, guiding means cooperating with said member and with said carriers for determining the path through which the nim is fed between said carriers, and mechanism for moving the material in a direction anguiar to such path of travel and into such path and into operative position relative to saidnlm engaging member.

35. In a fllm handiing apparatus, a nim carrier, a member for feeding the film supported upon fsaid carrier. means for controlling the tension of that' portion of the film between said carrier and said feeding member, said meanscomprising a guide engaging such portion of the nim, a supporting member for said guide, and a spring for urging said supporting member toward such path of travel, and a member for engaging the edge of the fllm for laterally moving the nim into position within the area of operation of said guide, for the purpose of initiaily positioningthc nim.

36. In a nim handiing apparatus. an idling delivery member and a continuously operating taking up member, an intermittently moving nim feeding mechanism between said members for moving the nim from said delivery member toward said taking up member, means for compensating for the difference in character of movement of said members and said feeding mechanism, said means including a menrber eng'aging the nim between one of said previously mentioned means and said intermittent mechanism. guiding means' cooperating with all of said previousiy mentioned members and said feeding mechanism for defining a path of travel for the film between said delivery member and said taking up member, and means for moving the film from a position outside of such path into such path and into thev area of operation of said nim engaging member of said compensating means, for the purpose of linitiilllv imitioning the nim preparatory to the nim feeding operation.

37. In a nim handiing apparatus. an idling delivery reel, a continuously driven take up reel, anintermittentiy moving nim feeding means disposed between said reels and engaging the nim for feeding the same from said 'delivery reel toa Vward said take up reel, mechanism for compansating for the difference in character of movement of said reels and said feeding'means, said mechanism embodying a nim engaging member, means for rendering said compensating mechanism operative upon the nim, mechanism for initiaily positioning the f'iim by moving it into the area of operation of said film engaging member, and controll mechanism iterconnecting said means for positioning the film in operative relation to the nim engaging member which is embodied in said compensating mechanism and said means for rendering said compensating mechanism operative upon the film and effective for operating both of the same.

38. In a nim handiing apparatus, an idling delivery reel, a. continuously driven take up reel, an'intermitently moving film feeding mechanism disposed between said reels and engaging the nim for feeding the same from said delivery reel toward said take-up reel, mechanism for com- 'pensating for the difference in character of movement of said reels and said feeding means, said mechanism embodying a fiim engaging member, means for positioning the fiim in the area of opiei'ation of said nim engaging member, means for rendering said compensating mechanism operative upon the nim, and control mechanism for bo'h of said means. said control mechanism comprising a movable actuating member land connections between said actuating member and said positioning means and said means for rendering said mechanism operative upon the filmfor first operating said positioning means upon the first portion of the movement of said actuating memvmeans, said' means including a film engaging member, mechanism for render-ing said compensating means operabie upon the nim. mechanim adapted to move the nim into the area of operation of said nim engaging member, and control means, said cont i' means including a movable actuating memb r and mechanism connecting said member with li of said mechanisms for opera'ing said mechanism for positioning the nim in the area of operation of said film eng'aging member upon the first portion of the movement of said actuating member and for operating said means for rendering said compensating means operabie upon the film during the succeeding p'ortion of such movement of said actuating member and for operating said mechanism for actuating said feeding means upon the next succeeding portion of such movement.

40. In a nim handiing apparatus, a toothed feeding member, a taking up member, guiding means cooperating with said members for denning a path between said members through which a nim may beifed from one to the other, operabie means for'moving a nim into-such path and into laeral alignment with said members,

a motor. a nrst means for appLving the power of said motor to said taking up means, a second means for applying the power of said motor to said feeding member, land'control mechanism, said control Imechanism comprising a movable actuating member and mechanism connecting said actuating member and all of said means for flrst operating said moving means upon the first portion of the movement of said actuating member, whereby first the film is initially positioned in such path, second Operating said first power applying means upon the continuation of such movement of said actuaing member, whereby said taking up member is actuated for drawing the film into operative relation with the teeth of said feeding member, and third Operating said second power applying means upon the further 'continuation of such movement of said member, whereby said feeding member is also acuated and the regular feeding operation along such path is carried out.

41; In a film handling apparatus, two film supporting spindles, means cooperating with said spindles for guiding the film between said spindles and for forming a path of travel for the film therebetween, means for operatively connecting at least one of said spindles with a source of power, means engaging an edge of the film and effec ive for laterally moving it into such path,l and control mechanism interlocking said moving means and said means for connec'ing said spindle with said source of power and effective for Operating each of the same.

42. In a film handling apparatus, a gate comprising a fixed section and a movable section between which a film travels, said movable seciion being adapted for disposition in a distant relation 'to said fixed section, a member movable relatively to both of said gate sections for moving the film from a position without its line of travel through the gate in a direction which is angular' to such line of travel of the film through ihe gate into the space which intervenes between said sections when said movable section is disposed in such distant relation to said fixed section, and a connection interlocking both said movable section and said member for moving said film-moving member to ineifective position out of the way of said film preparatory to its movement in'o the space between said gate Sections.

43. In a film handling apparatus, a fixed gate section, a gate section movable relatively to said fixed. section, a film-positioning threading member movable into and from cooperative and adjacent relation with both of said Sections, a rotatable moun ing for said member disposed upon said apparatus adjacent said gate Sections, actuating mechanism for said mounting including a longitudinally movable rod, mechanism connecting said rod and said mounting and said movable section of said gate, the longitudinal movement of said rod Operating said mounting whereupon said member is rotated into cooperaiive and adjacent relation with both of said sections, longitudinal movement of said rod also moving said movable section into relatively close relation with said fixed section.

44. In a film handling apparatus, a gate, a member for moving a film without said gate into a.` predetermined posigon within said gate, a mounting for said mefhber and mechanism for rotating said mounting for the purpose of 'operating said member, said mechanism including a toggle connected to said mounting, a spring connected to (said toggle, and means initially breaking said toggle, said spring being effective thereafter quickly to complete the breaking movement of saidtoggle for rotating said mounting to completethe positioning of said film by said member.

45. In a film handling apparatus, means defining a path of travel for a film, means for longitudinally feeding a film through said path, and movable threading means mounted for movement upon said apparatus adiacent an edge of said film path for engaging an edge of the film and initially moving the film in a direction lateral to said path and into said path from a position wherein it is disposed adjacent and at one side of said path to a position wherein it is disposed therewithin, said ,threading means embodying means whereby said threading means may be moved for initially positioning the film within said path in preparation for the film feeding operation.

46. In a fllm handling apparatus, means defining ya path of travel for a film, a positioning member, a mounting for said positioning member, disposed upon said apparatus adiacent said'path of travel, upon which said positioning member is rotatable from afirst position in which it is disposed substantially in the plane of such path whereby such path is left unobstructed by said positioning member and open for the lateral insertion of a film therein to a second position in which it is disposed at substantially right angles to such first position and in relatively close right angled relation with an edge of such path whereby the film is locked therein'against movement lateral thereto, and means for rotating said positioning member.

47. In a film handling apparatus, means defining a longitudinal path of travel for a film, a member having a normal path of movement within said path for feeding the film along said path, movable threading means mounted for movement upon said apparatus adjacent an edge of said path and said feeding member for engaging an edge of the film and initially moving the film in a direction lateral to said path and substantially parallel to the axis of said feeding member from a position where it is disposed adjacent and at one side of said path to a position wherein it is disposed therewithin and in a predetermined position relatively to said feeding member, said threading means embodying means whereby said threading means may be vmoved for initially positioning the film in preparation for the film feeding operation.

48. In a film handling apparatus, a toothed feeding member, means adjacent one edge of the field of operation of said feeding member for preventing the movement of the film in a direction lateral thereto, a looking member, a mounting for said locking member adjacent the other edge of the field of operation of said feeding member upon which said looking member is movable between a first position, wherein it is disposed substantiaily parallel to the axis of said member and lateral access thereto is permitted, and a second position, wherein it is disposed at substantially right angles to such axis and a film is thereby locked byv the contact of saidlooking member against the edge of the film against lateral movement relative to said feeding member, and means for movingsaid looking member between said positions.

49. In a film handling apparatus, a film feeding member, a rotatable shaft adjacent said member with the axis of said shaft arranged substantially at right angles to the axis of said feeding member, a positioning member mounted upon said shaft, thezrotation Aof said shaft revolving said member to engage an edge of the film placed in the vicinity of said feeding member and said 

